sobriety

1. Get Motivated! Building internal motivation is critical for long-term sobriety. You have to want to be sober. One simple tool to help increase motivation is a Cost Benefit Analysis. Try making a list of the benefits and costs of using a substance. Alternatively, what are the benefits and costs of NOT using the same substance? …

When getting into recovery it can be a difficult choice as to who you are going to include in your sobriety. There may also be decisions to be made about what degrees of information you want to provide to different people. This is a very personal question and an individual may need to make experiments …

An initial challenge that many face in getting sober is the vacuum of time and energy which presents itself when no longer occupied by an addiction. While in the thralls of using and abusing substances this can become the primary source of recreation and even socialization. When entering into recovery suddenly a person can find …

In our culture it is so easy to make alcohol – or any other substance – into a “social lubricant.” We can get used to thinking we need a drink just to be okay with being around people, especially if we don’t know them well. Here are some ways to make friends while managing your …

For just about everyone who struggles with an addiction, they will also be very likely to struggle with their self-esteem. Sometimes low self-esteem can be one of the motivators for using drugs in the first place as they give a temporary relief or boost in confidence. But also a person in an addictive cycle may …

Sometimes we can look at addiction from the perspective of feeding something that is in us, a need, a desire, a craving… Learning to feed ourselves in a way that is nourishing and healthy can be a difficult task in sobriety. Feeding the Soul is a good place to begin… There are two types of …

There is a fascinating phenomenon I often observe in clients at the AToN Center as they progress in their drug and alcohol treatment in California. Often our residents have been using drugs or drinking for such a long period of time that they have forgotten what it feels like to do activities when sober. Accompanying …

It is November, and that means the holidays are coming! This time of year is often associated with celebration and family, but for many ‘tis the season for emotions. These emotions can range from joy and anticipation to anxiety, grief, anger, and so many others. And so now is also the time to ask yourself: …

Equanimity can be defined as, “mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult situation”. Those in recovery benefit from being mindful of their physical, mental, and emotional needs throughout the day. It is import to realize that individuals in early recovery are attempting to balance cravings, triggers and making healthy choices. Efforts …

People in early recovery often need help developing assertiveness skills. Problems related to caustic relationships, codependency and fear of conflict and criticism must be addressed. Depression, self-loathing and toxic shame add to the complexities of becoming assertive. Dr. Randy J. Peterson’s book, The Assertiveness Workbook is highly recommended to help those needing to learn how …